NEW YORK, USA (CMC) — New York Governor Andrew M Cuomo on Wednesday announced a statewide donation drive to help the people of The Bahamas recover and rebuild following Hurricane Dorian.

To help with the effort, the governor said he will work with the Bahamian Consulate in New York to expand the number of drop sites for priority donations of food, dry goods and personal hygiene.

Cuomo is urging New Yorkers to donate these “desperately needed items” to the nearest drop site and encouraging people to donate money to UNICEF and non-profit partner organisations recommended by the consulate.

“We understand all too well how devastating and difficult it is to recover from a hurricane,” he said. “In New York, we have a long and proud history of helping those in need; and, with thousands of Bahamians still suffering in the wake of Hurricane Dorian, we will do everything in our power to help this community rebuild.”

The governor said The Bahamas is an “important economic partner” with the United States and New York, specifically.

As of July 2019, he said the US imported US$239 million and exported US$1.97 billion worth of goods from The Bahamas.

The value of container cargo imported into the Port of New York from The Bahamas has previously been about 14 per cent of all vessel imports, the governor said.

“Severe weather events are impacting areas around the world and devastating countless lives,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “We all know the impact these storms can have, and how challenging the recovery process can be. This has been especially true for The Bahamas.

“This statewide donation drive is part of our efforts to help businesses and families recover and rebuild after the devastation,” she added. “We encourage all New Yorkers to donate to help ensure people in The Bahamas have the essential supplies they need as the recovery process continues.”

Dr Roy A Hastick, Sr, the Grenadian-born president, chief executive officer and founder of the Brooklyn-based Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry said New Yorkers have “experienced the devastation wrought by a hurricane first-hand, and we will always be ready to help those in their time of need.

“As the people in The Bahamas struggle to rebuild after Hurricane Dorian, these supplies will provide individuals and families the support and care they need to get back on their feet,” he said.

“I thank the governor for expanding the number of supply drop-off locations across the state, and I encourage all New Yorkers to lend a helping hand and make donations.”